Car Seats

I am at a total loss for why people do not protect their children by placing them in a car seat. Today alone I have seen at least 4 children who were not properly buckled in. This is an issue for me on my levels. One, 32 years ago my then 2 year old cousin died in a car accident because she was walking across the back seat of my aunt and uncles car. They had a car seat in the car, but she was not in it and flew out of the car when they were hit. Second, two years ago two of my former students, who were aged 5 and 6 died because they were not buckled in and were in a car wreck. Third, I spent nearly 5 years as a child restraint technician and have tried to educate parents about what could happen when they don't properly restrain their children in the car. I feel as though I have been talking to thin air. Parent out there do me a favor if you are reading this Please, Please, Please I beg you properly restrain your kids. I know especially parents of children adopted internationally this can be a struggle when your child first comes home, but keep them safe and strap them in.
Thanks!

DRAT!

Well, I am sorry to say that my Boyertown Bears are out of the World Series. Although the girls at the office got see what I am like listening to sporting events. Better luck next year Bears.

Go Bears!!!

When I lived in my home town one of my favorite things was our American Legion Baseball team. Boyertown is a baseball town and our Legion team has historically been very good. Moving 1200 miles away I missed being able to go to the games at Bear stadium and listening to them on "WPAZ the station that airs the Bears". Well, I have followed their progress over the last 14 years via my hometown paper, but right now they are playing in OK in the World Series and I have been able to find WPAZ on the internet. I am sure I will be dragging tomorrow, but what the heck it's the 1st Bears game I have listened to in WAY TOO LONG!
GO BEARS!!

First day of school

Well, the first day of school in our neck of the woods has come and gone. Jasmine enjoyed the new school and even got off the bus at the right stop. My parents were just down the road so if she didn't get off they could chase down the bus and get her. Her Daddy and I were worried sick about her on the bus today.
At my center we started our first day of school with a teacher in the hospital for emergancy gall bladder surgery. So we had to find a substitute for the next month or so. Luckily, for us we were able to get one who is reliable, a hard worker, good with the kids, and has a Child Development Associates (CDA). Yeah, Ms. Yrma.

Sherry

New experiences

One of the biggest benefits to living in Florida as opposed to Pa. where I grew up is the chance to experience more cultural events. Last night Jasmine and I went to our first quincera. For those who were like me in the past this is a very big birthday party for Hispanic (at least Mexican) girls. It is their introduction to womanhood and are now aloud to date. There was a service at the Catholic church before the dinner, presentation, and dance. We didn't go to the service, as it was all in Spanish and my Spanish is limited. The scary part is the birthday girl, I have known her since she was a pre-schooler. Actually, most of the teens and young adults there I have known since they were young children. The mother of the birthday girl, my wonderful friend Debbie, never stopped working last night. I hope she has a nice long rest today.

Sherry

End of Summer

Amazingly summer is coming to end in Florida. My teachers came back to work this week for there training and our munchkins will be starting on Monday. Jasmine will be starting school on Monday also. Well, most every school district starts Monday around here. This will her first time going to public school. She has done well kindergarten thru 3rd grades, but she has always been in a very small class, but now she is in the big league. Many more children and the dreaded FCATs. I can only pray she does well and help her where I can. I am also worried about her feeling self conscious about our family make up. At her old school everyone knew she was adopted (she had started there in pre school 3 months after coming home). Now we are entering a new realm. But we have tried to prepare her for questions and how she can answer. I think right now she is leaning towards "I am sorry, but that is private", at least until she knows the others better.
Sherry

Back to Work

One of the joys of my job is working the school year and having most the summer off with Jasmine. But like all good things summer break must also come to an end and Wed. was the end. Luckily, for me I happen to have a job that I love and I work with people who are like my extended family. The last 3 days we have all been off to differing trainings (got to love Head start and pre-service), but we will all be back in the office next week and then the hard work starts. Selection and enrolling the children, placing children in the classrooms and training the teachers (again head start and pre-service). But I am looking forward to seeing my teachers, they are a wonderful bunch of ladies. There are some who were instrumental in me learning to do Jasmine's hair. While we were waiting for Jasmine's paperwork to go thru INS (pre- 9/11), Carrie, would instruct me on how to care for Jasmine's hair. This included how to comb and moisturize it. Unfortunately, for Carrie's youngest daughter, then about 8 it included my practicing on her. Poor Kadedra was such a good sport.
Sherry